Union wants change in rules on physicals

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association expect
to begin talks soon on how to solve the
problem of players losing their college eligibility when they agree to a club
contract and then fail the club’s physical exam.

Barret Loux, the Arizona
Diamondbacks’ first-round pick this year, agreed to a contract but then failed
the physical. Loux is now a free agent represented by SFX Baseball, but he
cannot return to college because of NCAA rules.

Barret Loux, drafted out of Texas A&M, failed his
physical and is now a free agent.

Agents say the problem has
occurred before and gives clubs leverage
in signing such players at discount prices.

“The issue … has been out there for at least a few years,”
said MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. “I would expect the union and the
commissioner’s office in relatively short order to begin discussions to see if
we can come up with a more workable set of rules in this area.” Weiner declined
further comment on the subject.

Rob Manfred, MLB executive vice president of labor relations,
said, “From our perspective, we are happy to have conversations with the MLBPA”
on the issue.

Manfred said it would be beneficial to the clubs to have
medical information on prospective draft picks before they are selected in the
draft. “If we have medical information before the draft, the chances of having
this eligibility problem dramatically decrease,” he said.